Ch. 2 - Functions and Graphs

Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook

Blitzer 8th Edition

Ch. 2 - Functions and Graphs

Problem 78

Chapter 3, Problem 78

Begin by graphing the square root function, f(x) = √x. Then use transformations of this graph to graph the given function. h(x) = √(x+1)-1

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by graphing the parent function f(x) = √x. This function is defined for x ≥ 0 and has a domain of [0, ∞). The graph starts at the origin (0, 0) and increases gradually, curving upward as x increases.

Step 2: Analyze the given function h(x) = √(x+1) - 1. Notice that this function involves two transformations applied to the parent function f(x) = √x.

Step 3: The term (x+1) inside the square root indicates a horizontal shift. Specifically, the graph of f(x) = √x is shifted 1 unit to the left because adding 1 to x moves the graph in the opposite direction.

Step 4: The term -1 outside the square root indicates a vertical shift. This means the graph is shifted 1 unit downward. Apply this transformation after the horizontal shift.

Step 5: Combine both transformations to graph h(x). Start by shifting the graph of f(x) = √x 1 unit to the left, then shift the resulting graph 1 unit downward. The domain of h(x) is adjusted to x ≥ -1 because the square root function is only defined for non-negative values inside the radical.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Square Root Function

The square root function, f(x) = √x, is defined for x ≥ 0 and produces non-negative outputs. Its graph is a curve that starts at the origin (0,0) and increases gradually, reflecting the relationship between the input and its square root. Understanding this function is crucial as it serves as the foundation for applying transformations.

Graph Transformations

Graph transformations involve shifting, stretching, compressing, or reflecting the graph of a function. For the function h(x) = √(x+1) - 1, the graph of f(x) = √x is shifted left by 1 unit and down by 1 unit. Recognizing these transformations allows for the accurate depiction of how the original function is altered.

Function Composition

Function composition refers to the process of applying one function to the results of another. In this context, h(x) can be viewed as a composition of the square root function and the transformations applied to it. Understanding how to compose functions helps in visualizing and calculating the effects of transformations on the original function.

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